Lehigh Valley lawmakers discuss range of issues

SAM KENNEDY, THE MORNING CALL

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce President Tony Iannelli interviews U.S. representatives Lou Barletta, Matt Cartwright, Charlie Dent and Leonard Lance at a live taping of Business Matters on Thursday.

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce President Tony Iannelli interviews U.S. representatives Lou Barletta, Matt Cartwright, Charlie Dent and Leonard Lance at a live taping of Business Matters on Thursday. (SAM KENNEDY, THE MORNING CALL)

Democratic U.S. Rep. Matthew Cartwright, on the other hand, not only wants higher taxes, but also more stringent environmental regulations.

"Absolutely, we need to be taxing it," he said. And while Pennsylvanians appreciate the economic benefits of gas extraction, he said, "they also care about drinking clean water."

Former Hazleton mayor Barletta, whose 11th District includes parts of Carbon County, and Cartwright, whose 17th District covers Easton and much of northern Northampton County, were among four congressmen interviewed Thursday by Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce President Tony Iannelli during a taping of the TV show "Business Matters."

Also on hand at the event, which was recorded in front of a live audience at St. Luke's West End Medical Center in west Allentown, were RepublicansCharlie Dent, whose 15th District snakes east-west across much of the Lehigh Valley, and Leonard J. Lance, of New Jersey's 7th District, which includes Phillipsburg.

Both Dent and Lance called for exporting natural gas to American allies, especially those in Europe, who are now reliant on imports from Russia. Currently, gas exports are restricted by law, which has helped to keep fuel prices low for businesses and homeowners alike.

Iannelli led a wide-ranging conversation that covered diverse subjects ranging from national security to immigration to the next presidential race.

The three Republicans were largely critical of President Obama's handling of crises throughout the Middle East and elsewhere.

Cartwright said the U.S. should not act unilaterally, but in coordination with like-minded countries. Such a coalition, he said, should be established "before we go in with guns blazing."

The Republicans echoed the point, though Barletta questioned why a coalition hadn't already been established. "[Obama] does not appear to be that interested," he said.

Lance added that Obama should seek congressional authorization before giving orders to the military.

"The president should come to us next week when we are in session," he said, adding that he was inclined to vote in favor of using force. Dent said he didn't know how he'd vote; it would depend on the details.

On immigration, Dent noted that a large portion of illegal immigrants enter the country on legal visas, which they then overstay. "The immigration system is broken and at some point it is going to have to be repaired," he said.

Barletta, whose strong stand against illegal immigration a decade ago thrust the then-mayor into a broader spotlight, suggested he was unlikely to support half measures on immigration.

Asked about potential Republic presidential candidates, Dent said the field was wide open but the nomination would likely be won by a state governor such as Chris Christie of New Jersey, John Kasich of Ohio or Bobby Jindal of Louisiana.

Cartwright, the lone Democrat, seized the opportunity to make a joke. He said he wouldn't interrupt any of his Republican colleagues if they wanted to endorse Pennsylvania's own Tom Corbett for the Oval Office.

The audience laughed, and then the conversation quickly shifted to another subject.